Claudia Winkleman returns to Channel 4 with One Question, the seemingly simple but devilishly difficult quiz show in which contestants are asked just one question and given 16 possible answers. But only one of those is correct. All the contestants must do to win £100k, is choose which one is the correct answer.

We caught up with Claudia during filming the deceivingly simple quiz show to find out what we can expect this series, which snacks keep her going on set and what’s in her all-important wardrobe…

We’re back for a second series of One Question. What made you want to return?

I love One Question, it holds a special place in my heart because of the simplicity of it. When they asked me to do it, they were like ‘it’s just one question and one answer,’ so I was in. It’s all I needed to know. There aren’t flashing lights, there isn’t a glitter cannon, there isn’t complicated decision making. I’m going to give you one question and you just have to find me the answer. I love that.

You say there’s a simplicity to it, but the contestants don’t find it easy. Why do you think that is?

Contestants don’t find it easy because this is something you really want to play at home, but when you’re sitting there on the sofa in the studio and not at home and the lights are on, you do second guess yourself. There might only be one question, but it isn’t an easy question. Some are easier than others depending on what might be your specialist subjects, but they are hard questions. No spoilers, but someone just went out on a question everyone else in the room knew the answer to. It’s difficult. You either know it or you don’t.

Last series you said you struggled not to help the contestants. Are you finding you’re the same this time around or have you toughened up a bit?

No, I really want to help them. But that’s why they don’t give me the questions, and certainly not the answers, before we’re in the studio. No one trusts me. When we did one of the run throughs and I knew the answer, the bosses were like ‘Stop winking and making strange noises’.

The contestants this series obviously know what the format is. Are they coming in with more strategy than series one’s players?

I think they know more about the way they think they’re going to play it, but it doesn’t always work out the way they expect it to. The number of people who have said to me backstage, ‘We’re just going to go for it. We came here with nothing, we want to win 100 grand, we’re not taking any of the offers, just watch us…’ But then they get into the studio and they’re so cautious. So it’s very easy to say what you’re going to do and have a game plan, but actually doing it is entirely different.

What would your strategy be if you were a contestant?

Bring someone really clever to play with me.

Who would that be?

Probably my husband, or my mum or my dad.

We heard there might be a big win this series. How did you react to that?

There is a big win and obviously I can’t give you any details, but I did cry. I don’t really cry because I’m over 50, wearing too much fake tan and too much eyeliner, but it was a proper moment. It was a proper moment for everyone in the studio and that’s when you know it’s good.

There’s an audience in the studio this series. What difference has that made?

It’s so lovely to have an audience in the studio but I’m so nervous that one of them is going to say something and give away an answer. I’m like ‘guys, do not even blink’ and they’re very good. There are no coughs.

Last series, we talked about how important snacks are during filming. What’s on the menu this time, have you upped the ante in the snack department?

It’s always going to a beef Hula Hoop and Ribena. We do have some Butterkist popcorn which is new. I don’t want a posher snack, this is all I need.

We have to talk about your wardrobe, what’s your style for One Question?

We decided not to mess around for this one. I’m in black and I am wearing trousers that are bigger than big. There’s a lot of sitting down so I don’t need to worry about tripping.

Since we last talked about One Question, you’ve had so much amazing success. You won a BAFTA, The Piano was nominated for a BAFTA and is now on its third series, Strictly celebrated 20 years, The Traitors has got even bigger… How do you choose which projects you’re going to take on?

I’m not doing anything else. I’ve been more than lucky and I think that’s enough. I do believe – and I’m going to sound like my kids – in gratitude. I’m incredibly grateful. I love Strictly, I love The Traitors, I love The Piano, I love One Question and you won’t see me doing anything else.

Are quizzes big in your house, are they something you all watch together?

My oldest, greatest friend is Victoria Coren Mitchell so Only Connect is a big one of us. But it’s so hard. I can barely spell connect. We do love to watch it as a family though.

Is there one question you get asked in interviews more than anything else?

Do you use Head and Shoulders?

And, finally, are you looking forward to series three of The Piano later this year?

I can’t wait for it. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I didn’t think it was possible we’d be back again. I love everything about the show and I can’t wait for people to see the new series and meet the incredible Jon Batiste who has joined us a mentor.

One Question on Channel 4, stream or watch live from Friday 14th February at 8pm